Avaliação do consumo alimentar na ocorrência de hipertensão gestacional em pacientes atendidas nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde no interior do Amazonas.

Abstract

This investigation aims to analyze the nutritional aspects of 80 pregnant women with hypertension being attended at the Basic Health Unit in Coari County – Amazonas, Brazil. This is a quantitative exploratory-descriptive study, which used data from the history, life style, and eating habits of pregnant women acquired by means of an Eating Frequency Questionnaire. Results showed that a high percentage of gravid women consume food rich in sodium chloride and have a family history of hypertension. Margarine, crackers, sausages and wieners were among the most consumed foods cited, being ingested weekly. A lack of knowledge about the consequences of poor eating habits and the risks it presents to pregnant women was apparent. Public policies aimed at health and nutritional assessment of pregnant women are important in order to avoid complications during labor, as well as to promote healthier eating habits that improve the quality of life.